
April 10
Soul Cravings – Part III: Meaning
In his book Soul Cravings, Erwin McManus tells us:
We are all on a journey to make sense out of life and when it doesn’t make sense, it is maddening to our souls.
Meaning
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
So my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
I Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
... Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)
Meaning. I had to ask the question when I was in line at Safeway last week. Like I'm standing there holding cold, cold ice cream and sniffing the fresh bananas in my arms, and I am assaulted with these big, color photos and screaming words about some star's last-ditch binge. Seriously, haven’t you asked something like this or at least shook your head as you saw the latest tabloid headline concerning some film idol's outrageous partying, or drunk driving, or fill in the blank with the latest star's odd, frantic behavior: Why? What do they think they’re looking for ... meaning?
They are not alone. People have wrestled with life’s meaning from ancient times. Homer said we were insignificant mortals. Pascal was concerned with the shortness of life and ... who put us here anyway? Probably all of us could take a lesson from the wisest man on earth—Solomon. He had it all, he tried it all, and he discovered one thing. Meaninglessness. The things of this world, in and of themselves, are meaningless. Listen to his words about people and life on earth:
Well, I took all this in and thought it through, inside and out. Here’s what I understood: The good, the wise, and all they do are in God’s hands—but, day by day, whether it’s love or hate they’re dealing with, they don’t know. Anything’s possible. It’s one fate for everybody—righteous and wicked, good people, bad people, the nice and the nasty, worshippers and non-worshippers, committed and uncommitted. I find this outrageous—the worst thing about living on this earth—that everyone’s lumped together in one fate. Is it any wonder that so many people are obsessed with evil? Is it any wonder people go crazy right and left? Life leads to death. That’s it.
Ecclesiastes 9:1-3 The Message
In the end, Solomon both warns and encourages us to Honor and enjoy your Creator while you’re still young. ... The words of the wise prod us to live well. They’re like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd. ... The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you.
Ecclesiastes 12:1, 11, 13 The Message
But it is Jesus who gives us not only the words of life, but the best offer of all:
I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
John 10:10b The Message
And this:
What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?
Luke 8:27b The Message
And this:
But those who give up their lives for me and for the Good News will have true life.
Mark 8:35b NCV
I think if we are to find meaning in life, we need to trust God. It works. It really does. That’s been my experience and the experience of others as well.
I think back to the line in the grocery store. All those magazines with pictures of bleary-eyed rock stars, hung over beauties, and other truly sad lives. When we see stories of so many of the rich, famous, and hip just falling apart, we have to shake our heads. I mean, they really are going crazy! But then I think of Eva, Shayla and Elf, three young women ministering to the sick and the poor in Nairobi’s Kibera slums. Living for Christ. Serving those who have nothing. Making a difference. I see their lives, and I know Jesus’ words are true. You lose your life to find it. You follow Him to discover eternal truth and in the process you discover a double blessing ... eternal life ... and meaning ... wonderful meaning.
Rejoice! Your life counts!
Lord, bring meaning to those who follow hard after You. Bless them. Amen.